Get to know the island of Lefkada
Surrounded by 24 islands, including the famous Scorpios of Aristotle Onassis, Lefkada is connected to the opposite Helladic coast by a floating bridge (50 m long), which makes it easily accessible to visitors. It has important sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque settlements, dense vegetation, impressive coves with transparent turquoise waters, organized and deserted beaches of stunning beauty, high cultural tradition and hospitable inhabitants.
The city and the port
The city of Lefkada is characterized by a special urban look that resembles a “herringbone”. Beautiful alleys, small squares, traditional houses, ornate bell towers and paved sidewalks compose the character of the city. Lefkada is surrounded by the canal and the lagoon, while further north is the thin circular line of the sandy beach of Gyra with its few trees and mills.
Access: How to get here
Lefkada is the only island you can visit by car. A floating bridge connects Lefkada with Akarnania. There are plans to permanently link Lefkada with mainland Greece in the coming years.
Access by plane
- Preveza-Aktio (PVK) – Aktio International Airport (21km.)
- Ioannina– National Ioannina Airport (133km.)
Access by road
From Athens
ΑFrom Thessaloniki
From Patra
From Ioannina
From Igoumenitsa
There are organized companies that offer safe and comfortable transportation by Taxi and Mini Bus.
If you wish to come by bus, you can see the KTEL of Lefkada bus routes here:
Lefkada KTEL Bus Routes
Access by road, with a ferry transfer
From Igoumenitsa directly to Lefkada
To Kalamos, Kasto via Mytika
From Lefkada to Kefalonia/Zakynthos via Kyllini
Ferry Boats:
- Kerkyra – Paxi (Gaeos) – Lefkada – Meganisi – Ithaca (Pisaetos) – Kefalonia (Sami) – Zakynthos
- From Lefkada to Ithaca, Kefalonia, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos
- Vasiliki (Lefkada)-Fiskardo (Kefalonia) (West Ferry/Captain Aristidis)
- Nydri-Meganisi (Ferry Boat Meganisi)
- For Kalamos: Sea Taxi “Dolphin Express II”: +30 6977 845 946 (Contact Mr. Georgios Giannoutsos) & Passenger Ship IOANNA: +30 6942 558 462 (Pl. Mr. Athanasios Gianniotis)
Information: Lefkada Port Authority: +30 2645022322, Nydri Port Authority: +30 2645092509
Sights: City walk
- In the lagoon, one of the most remarkable wetlands of the Ionian Sea, protected by the International Ramsar Convention, as a wetland of international importance. A century-old fish farm (ivari) operates in the area.
- In the fortress of Agia Mavra, at the entrance of the city, built by the Sicilian Ioannis Orsini in 1300.
- In the Bosketo park, with the busts of learned personalities of the island.
- On the coastal promenade with the hangouts for young people.
- In the central square with many restaurants and cafes, where the church of Agios Spyridonas is located (late 17th century) with an interesting iconostasis and icons. The main pedestrian shopping street (Mela street) of the city starts from here.
- To Kouzounteli (or Kouzoumpei) area, where age-long plane trees stand next to traditional coffee shops that serve freshly ground coffee and soumada drink made from fragrant almonds.
- To the Archeological Museum. Finds (mid-Paleolithic times – 4th c. AD) come from tombs excavated at Nydri, burial grounds of the ancient town of Lefkada, etc.
- To the Public Library. There is a wide collection of printed documents and post-Byzantine icons painted in the style of the Eptanesian iconography school by eminent religious iconographers such as Doxaras, Roussos, etc.
- To Charamogleios Ediki Lefkadiaki Library (a library treating exclusively local themes) exhibiting rare books, gravures and maps. The art gallery is often the venue for painting and photography exhibitions. The library’s collection has been included in the Guiness Book of Records.
- To the Phonograph-Memorabilia Museum whose exhibits include old phonographs, vinyl records, decorative antique items, old banknotes etc.
- To the agelong Eleonas (Olive Grove).
Worth visiting:
The picturesque fishing village of Nikiana built at the foot of Mount Skaros, with a forest of centuries-old oaks.
Nydri. The largest tourist resort of the island with intense nightlife and a modern marina. It is located opposite the Princes’ Islands (Madouri, Heloni, Scorpios, Skorpidi, Sparta), while ferries depart from its port to Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Corfu and Paxos. It is offered for diving (in the area there are organized diving centers that offer organized excursions), water sports, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, swimming in the waterfalls that flow into the Dimosari gorge.
Vlycho, with the particularly natural beauty of the homonymous bay and Desimi beach where there are organized camping places.
Poros, the “balcony” of southeastern Lefkada, overlooking the islands of Arkoudi, Oxies, Ithaca and Kefalonia. Swim in the crystal clear sea of Mikros Gialos, where there is also organized camping.
Vasiliki, with its many running waters and intense nightlife. It is connected by ferry to the beautiful beach of Porto Katsiki, Agiofilli beach, Kefalonia and Ithaca. The bay of Vassiliki is internationally known for its special climatic conditions and winds and is very popular with windsurfers and sports fans. Here, you will also find equestrian farms that organize horse trips in nature.
Faros (Lighthouse), at a short distance from the settlement of Athani, and the ruins of the sanctuary of Apollo at Cape Doukatos (Lefkata or Kavos Kyra). This magnificent location with its steep cliffs and magnificent sea views is also referred to as the “Leap of Sappho”, because, according to tradition, the lyric poet of antiquity committed suicide here.
The beautiful resort village of Agios Nikitas.
Apart from the enchanting beaches, the mountainous Lefkada has its own special beauty
The famous mountain village of Karya with the plane tree-covered square. Famous are the traditional “Karsan” embroidery, a unique embroidery art.
The traditional Lefkada village of Egglouvi, famous for its delicious lentils, which are considered one of the best in Greece. Chickpeas, broad beans and a rare grape variety, vertzami, which were probably brought with them by the Venetians in 1684, still thrive in the area.
In the area of Sfakiotes you can visit the Folklore Museum “Pantazis Kontomichis” which includes many remarkable and rare exhibits, as well as a rich collection of daily life and activities of the inhabitants.
Culture: Museums and Archaeological sites
Archaeological Museum of Lefkada
It is housed in the cultural center of the Borough of Lefkada (A. Sikelianou & N. Svoronou street). The findings exhibited cover a period of time, beginning in the middle of the Paleolithic times (200.000 – 35.000 π.Χ.) and reaching the later Roman times. In a separate room in the museum, the findings of German archaeologist Willhelm Dairpfeld are exhibited. He is the one who developed the theory that Lefkada is Homer’s Ithaca. The museum exhibits tools, ceramic and copper jewellery and gems of ancient tombs, mostly from the Ancient city of Nirikos, Nydri, Hoirospilia, Evgiros and the cave in Fryni.
Open: Daily except for Tuesdays, 08:00-15:30.
Admission: General € 2, student € 1.
For more information, call (+30) 2645021635.
The “Pantazis Kontomichis” Folkloric Museum of the “Orpheus” Cultural Group
It is housed in the old town of Lefkada (Stefanistsi 2, close to the central square). Was founded in 1937, and includes many significant and rare exhibits, a rich collection of objects from the everyday life and business of the Lefkadite people.
Open: April -October, Monday – Friday 11:00-13:00 and 19:00-22:00.
Admission: General € 2, free for seniors & young children.
For further informations and for organised school or other educational visits call (+30) 2645022778 during museum working hours and days, and Ms Sklirou (+30) 2645022778 or Ms Roussou (+30) 2645022502 during office hours.
The Ecclesiastic Museum of the Faneromeni Convent
At the convent of Faneromeni, outside the village of Fryni, 4 kilometers from the city of Lefkada, the museum of Ecclesiastic Art is about to open, exhibiting objects from temples and convents of the island, covering a period of time since the second Turkish occupation (1479-1684) up to the incorporation of the island to the Greek State in 1864. In newly constructed two story building located in the grounds of the Holy Convent, specially designed rooms are going to host a variety of objects of ecclesiastic art. The main bulk of the exhibits comprise of paintings of Eptanese and Lefkadite artists, mainly post Byzantine portable icons and parts of chancel screens (magisterial icons, epistyles, door panels). Of great interest are the different ecclesiastical manuscripts and old prints from the convents library, with rare publications by Greek and foreign printers of the pro revolution and revolution years. Significant are the silver works exhibited, mainly crosses, grails, candelabra, trays and icon frames and gospel covers. Finally a variety of canonicals and elements of pontifical uniforms dated from the 18th and 19th century.
Open: April-September, Monday-Saturday 09:00-13:00 and 18:00-20:00.
Admission: Free.
For further informations, call (+30) 2645021105, (+30) 2645021305.
International Folklore Festival Memorabilia Exhibition Museum
It was founded in 2012 and is housed within the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Lefkada. It includes items directly related to the long history of the International Folklore Festival, such as traditional costumes of various countries, textiles, musical instruments, flags, medals, tapes with traditional music, etc. and aims to highlight through the memories the multidimensional cross-cultural relationship that has been developing for over 50 years between Lefkada and the guest dances.
Hours:Monday to Saturday, 08:30 -14:00
Entrance: Free
Phone:2645026635
Address:Sikelianou 1, Lefkada
The Ecclesiastic Museum of the Faneromeni Convent
The monastery of “Kyra Faneromeni”, the patroness of the island, is located 4 km SW from the town of Lefkada, just outside the village of Fryni. The Ecclesiastical Museum, created in 2006, is housed in a special building of the Monastery.
In its premises, relics of the monastery and exhibits of local ecclesiastical art and tradition are exhibited, which come from older monasteries of the island that no longer function and from various churches. The exhibits cover a long period, from the era of Turkish rule (1479-1684) until the integration of the island into the free Greek state in 1864.
The main volume of the exhibits consists of works by Iptanisian and Lefkadian painters, and they are mainly post-Byzantine portable icons and parts of icons (despotic icons, architraves, door panels). Of particular interest are many ecclesiastical manuscripts and old prints from the monastery library, with rare and old editions by Greek and foreign printers from the pre-revolutionary and revolutionary years. Also noteworthy are the various silversmithing works, mainly consecration crosses, chalices, candles, discs, inlays of icons and gospels. Finally, an important part of the exhibits are various vestments and elements of high priestly uniforms, as well as a remarkable series of antimonses dating from the 18th – 19th centuries.
Hours: Open daily, 09:00-13:00 & 18:00-20:00 (May to October) Admission: Free Phone: 2645021305 Address: Holy Monastery of Faneromeni, Lefkada
The “Kontomichio Folkrorik Museum” in Kavalos village
It was created by the ex Borough of Sfakiotes and is open to the public since the summer of 2004. It is housed in the old building of the Kavalos elementary school, in a place full of pine trees.
The museum exhibits tools and equipment, their use and meaning to the social evolution during the time they were created and the social and economic framework in which the Lefkadite people worked during the pro industrial times.
The museum’s exhibits are:
- Variety of tools used in different crafts, such as shoemaker, farmer, carpenter, barber, builder, screen maker and woodcutter.
- Recreation of areas within the Lefkadite home (kitchen, oven)
- Collection of old photographs
- Collection of woven material and traditional dress
- Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 – 16:00
Admission: Free.
Lefkadios Hern Historical Center
The Historical Center of Lefkada Hearn is located within the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Lefkada.
With the help of photographs, texts, exhibits and interactive applications, the visitor will navigate through the important moments of Lefkadio Hearne’s impressive life as well as the cultures of Europe, America and Japan of the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the open mind of Hearne’s lectures, texts and stories.
The Folkloric Museum of Lefkadite Canvas Works ”Maria koutsohero”, in Karya village
In this small private museum in Karya Village, among the traditional exhibit, the visitor may discover the life and character, the persistence, patience and genius of the Lefkadite mountain people who lived under rough conditions and managed to create a folkloric culture.
Open: April-November, daily 09:00-21:00.
Admission: General € 2.5
For further informations, call (+30) 2645041590.
Maritime Museum Nikos Thanos Morinas
The Nikos Thanos Morina Maritime Museum has been operating since 2011 in the basement of the ecclesiastical museum of Faneromeni. It includes more than 60 handmade wooden models of ships and nautical tools from all over the world created by the chief musician Nikolaos Thanos “Morinas”.
Hours: Open daily, 09:00-13:00 & 18:00-20:00 (May – October) Admission: Free Phone: +30 2645021105 Address: Holy Monastery of Faneromeni
The Phonograph Museum
Near the old city of Lefkada (12 Kalkani st.) a small private museum exists, exhibiting phonographs, records, rare objects of use, decorative instruments, boxes, seals, currency and post cards of the time.
Open: March-October, daily 10:00-14:00 and 19:00-00:00.
Admission: Free.
For further informations, call (+30) 2645021088.
Aggelos Sikelianos Museum
AN EXEMPLARY CULTURAL PROJECT OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE – DONATION TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEFKADA
In the two-storeyed house that Angelos Sikelianos was born and lived in Lefkada, it became possible to develop the vision and the act of the poet in a jewelry museum for an intellectual of worldview, a national pioneer, a real thinker, a politically present literateur , a great lyric poet and at the same time a perishable ailing man, vulnerable to love, to economic annoyance, naked and stoic in the face of death.
Monographic museums for famous people are numerous. But they are almost always museums of remembrance. They are not museums of intellectual creation, which also characterizes the personality that is exposed. The Angelos Sikelianos Museum is the first to attempt to present:
- The core of Sikelianos’ overall work and interpret his position as a national poet.
- The roots of his literary work (family, local, national and international).
- The connection of his overall poetic work with his actions (Delphic Feasts) and his attitude as a political being and intellectual.
- The presentation of the man Sikelianos and his relationship with Eva and Anna, as well as the Greek and international reality.
The visitor can see Anna’s wedding dress and her woven fabrics for Angelos and her clients, the handmade clothes that Eva weaved for herself and for the Delphic Feasts, her passport, her scarlet hair that she cut when she was in America. Rare publications and manuscripts of Angelos, Angelos and Eva’s correspondence, telegrams, photographs, films and recorded recitals with the voice of the poet himself, bring to life more lives, moments of people and formal history, perceptions, relationships and situations around and beyond the poet himself.
The MUSEUM OF ANGELOS SIKELIANOS in Lefkada can be visited in the following days and hours, except for official holidays:
WEDNESDAY : 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 20:00 THURSDAY : 10:00 – 14:00 FRIDAY : 10:00 – 18:00 SATURDAY : 10:00 – 14:00 SUNDAY : 10:00 – 14:00
Folk Art Museum “Evangelos Vlassopoulos”
Property of the Association of Agiopetres of Attica.
Open in summer three times a week: Monday-Wednesday-Saturday, 4 – 8 p.m.
The rest of the days by appointment at +30 6946336259.
Free admission.
Events
International Folklore Festival: Since 1962, bands and artists from many countries of the world meet every August in Lefkada and exchange the creations of their intellectual and artistic tradition (dance, music, traditional heritage).
Speech and Art Festivals: Organized by the Cultural Center of Lefkada and include theater, music, exhibitions, conferences and poetry evenings. Along with the Athens Festival, they are one of the oldest cultural institutions in Greece.
The highlight of the festivities was the appearance of Maria Kallas accompanied by Aristotle Onassis in 1964
Lentil Festival: It is organized every year on the 6th of August in the area of Agios Donatos in Egglouvi
Wine festival: In the municipality of Sfakiotes, in the square of Fryas with the homonymous historical well.
Revival of a traditional Lefkada wedding: In Karya (August 11).
Maritime Tourism – Boats
Lefkada has a long history in maritime tourism and yachts. The main berths of boats are located in the Marina of Lefkada, Vlycho, Nydri, Vasiliki and the marina of Meganisi. These points are also starting points for day cruises to the island, and the Ionian Sea in general.
Activities – Sports
Swimming: If you live in Lefkada, you can swim in Kastro, Gyra, Mylos and Agios Ioannis Antzousis. Almost everywhere on the island you will find amazing beaches, while east of it there are numerous beautifully forested islands.
Cave walk: Visit the nearby islands of Kalamos and Kastos with their unique beaches and sea caves.
Bicycle ride: The town of Lefkada and the nearby beaches are an ideal place for cycling. A route of unique beauty is the lagoon tour (Agia Mavra, Gyra, Myloi, Ai-Giannis, Lefkada).
Kitesurfing, on the beach of Myla.
Mountain bike: The island has high green mountains with roads and trails ideal for mountain biking. Bicycles can be rented in the city of Lefkada. Parapente (slope parachute) above Kathisma beach.
Lefkada, the paradise of water sports
The coastline of Lefkada is adorned by dozens of beaches of unparalleled natural beauty.
Among them, the much photographed Porto Katsiki, the beautiful Egremni, the busy Gialos, the huge Kathisma, the quiet Myli, the young Ai Giannis in the west ∙ the cosmopolitan Nydri, the enchanting Sivota bay, the bay of Vasiliki in the east.
Lefkada is an enviable destination for lovers of water sports. If you also belong to this category, indulge in an all-day adrenaline party in the “hot spots” of the island.
With the force of the wind…
The sea track of Lefkada is considered the paradise of surfers and holds the first place in the preferences of Greek and foreign athletes of the sport. The direction and intensity of the wind, which gradually rises from noon, have established the beach of Vasiliki, which is among the ten best in the world and the three best in Europe, as world-class. Here, wind surfers can practice slalom and freestyle with side shore conditions. On the north side of the island, near the town of Lefkada, the beach of Ai Giannis – with similar air statistics to Vasiliki but different conditions in the water – gathers the friends of kite surfing. The sky is filled with colorful eagles, which glide over the pelagic waves with tremendous speed, before literally taking off in the air. The operation of many windsurfing schools and specialized shops makes things easy for you who want to try for the first time or rent the right equipment.
Joy and carefreeness…
In Lefkada all water sports have their special place. Ride a bike, canoe and water ski in all its variants: barefoot, mono ski, double ski, wake board, knee board. Enjoy endless hours of fun on “bananas”, umbrellas and a variety of inflatable beach toys. In fact, in Nydri, an organized Water Sports Center has been operating for years with great specialization, experience and excellent equipment.
Fly high over the Bay of Basilica or the famous Scorpio, enjoying an unforgettable parachute flight. Experience the unique experience of paragliding, experience the absolute feeling of freedom and make a spectacular landing on Kathisma beach.
Flavours from Lefkada
Find restaurants, taverns and cafes here!
Lefkada, the beauty of the Ionian Sea, in addition to the famous beaches and picturesque mountain villages of Kefalonia, produces fine products that are famous for their uniqueness and taste. An integral part of its cultural heritage is the traditional cuisine, which is worth trying during your visit to the island. Pure raw materials, virgin olive oil from the hinterland, thyme honey, sweet wine (the rare variety “vertzami” is considered one of the best in the country) and all the goodies of the mountain and the sea compose a gastronomic mosaic.
The local products that are a trademark of Lefkada cuisine are the award-winning and delicious lentils of Englouvi, a rare variety that thrives in the traditional village of the same name, the famous air salami with a light garlic aroma and whole peppercorns. produced in the ivory of the lagoon.
The housewives of Lefkada, depending on the season, prepare handmade pies: cabbage pie with wild fragrant greens, rice pie, sweet pumpkin pie, macaroni pie, briani (pie from large green zucchini) and of course Protopon oil pie
Lefkada salami also holds a special place. Of Venetian origin, thanks to the distinctive aroma of garlic and whole peppercorns, it became one of the first Greek branded foods from the 20th century.
Favorite and “special” dishes are salted cod cooked in the pot with potatoes and onions, cuttlefish with black pilaf, sweet and sour sofigado (beef with quinces and petimezi), kokotos (rooster) or beef with thick spaghetti and rich aromatic fish with plenty of rosemary and of course lentils accompanied by oregano, dry bread soaked in oil vinegar, oregano and salt.
From the “sweet sins” stand out the pastels and the nougat, the soumada (bitter almond soft drink) and the local liqueurs, such as the rosoli with cinnamon and orange, the mint and the rose.
See Also
The Islands of Lefkada
Meganisi
A green island which is connected by ferry to Nidri. Its three settlements – Katomeri, Vathi and Spartochori – have a strong traditional color. Visit the cave of Giovannis and the cave of Papanikolis (access only from the sea).
Kalamos
A verdant island made of pine trees, mainly in the northern part, which is connected by ferry with Mytikas in Central Greece. Visit the Diocese, the Castle Monastery and the picturesque bay of Porto Leone.
Access to Kalamos:
Community of Kalamos: +30 26460 91100 / +30 26460 91281 Lefkada Port Authority (Golemi 5-7): +30 26450 22322 Sea Taxi “Dolphin Express II”: +30 6977 845 946 (Contact Mr. George Giannoutsos) Passenger Boat IOANNA: +30 6942 558 462 (Pls. Mr. Athanasios Gianniotis)
Passenger Boat “Ioanna” of Kalamos
DAYS | DEPARTURE FROM KALAMOS | ARRIVAL IN EPISKOPI | DEPARTURE FROM EPISKOPI | ARRIVAL IN MYTIKAS | DEPARTURE FROM MYTIKAS | ARRIVAL IN EPISKOPI | DEPARTURE FROM EPISKOPI | ARRIVAL IN KALAMOS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MONDAY | 07:10 | – | – | 07:30 | 14:00 | – | – | 14:20 |
TUESDAY | 06:50 | 07:15 | 07:20 | 07:30 | 14:00 | 14:10 | 14:15 | 14:20 |
WEDNESDAY | 07:10 | – | – | 07:30 | 14:00 | – | – | 14:20 |
THURSDAY | 07:10 | – | – | 07:30 | 14:00 | – | – | 14:20 |
FRIDAY | 06:50 | 07:15 | 07:20 | 07:30 | 14:00 | 14:10 | 14:15 | 14:20 |
SATURDAY | 07:10 | – | – | 07:30 | 14:00 | – | – | 14:20 |
SUNDAY | 07:10 | – | – | 07:30 | 14:00 | – | – | 14:20 |
DAYS | DEPARTURE FROM MYTIKAS | ARRIVAL IN KALAMOS | DEPARTURE FROM KALAMOS | ARRIVAL IN MYTIKAS |
---|---|---|---|---|
DAILY | 11:30 | 11:50 | 13:00 | 13:20 |
Kastos
An elongated island, overgrown with olive trees, offering a safe anchorage for boats sailing across the Ionian Sea. Roads on the island are few, so there are no cars. The western natural bay of the island of Sarakiniko has a small pier, which allows mooring even in bad weather. Kastos is connected by boat to Central Greece. Visit the picturesque village of the same name, Fokotripa and the chapel of Agios Emilianos.
Our Neighbours
Palairos and Vonitsa are culturally, economically and socially the same community as Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos.
Paleros
The seaside town of western Greece famous for its clear blue waters, history, hospitality and wonderful sights
Paleros, which until 1928 was called Zaverda, belongs to the municipality of Aktiou-Vonitsa and is washed by the Ionian sea. It is located between Mytika and Vonitsa and is only half an hour from Lefkada.
The charming town is famous for its beaches which become a hot spot during the summer months even for foreign tourists. Vathyavali, Varko, Potamaki and Pogonia are some of the beaches that are appreciated by thousands of visitors.
Sights:
Archaeological sites-monuments
The main monuments preserved today in the area are:
- The Castle of Kechropoula. A pillar is preserved in the double enclosure of the Ancient Akarnanian City and also remains of ancient buildings have been saved.
- Ο Αρχαιολογικός χώρος της Στέρνας, που βρίσκεται κοντά στην Παλιά Πλαγιά.
- The Kastelia of Plagia, which probably formed part of the fortified complex of Sterna.
- The Castle of Griva in Peratia.
- The Venetian Castle of Plagia with the name Agios Georgios which was built at the end of the 17th century and has been declared a monument since 1998. Dorpfeld places the classical Niriko on the hill where the Castle is built.
- Griva’s mansion in Peratia.
- The Mansion of Ragos in Palairos.
- The Paliohori of Pogonia and the old village of Plagia, where buildings of these old settlements are preserved. In the area there are some caves which are unexplored.
The area has many churches and chapels to display. Single out:
- The Holy Monastery of Agios Dimitrios is located in Palairos and was built around the 16th century. The catholicon of the church is single-room stone-built with a semi-circular arch and a gabled tiled roof.
- The Monastery of Panagia Romvi is located in Vato, it is in the style of a basilica with a single aisle and a tiled roof. It is considered to have been built 100 years after the Fall of the City.
Beaches
The registered trademark of Palairos. The beaches become a tourist attraction during the summer months and are the most important source of income for the locals. Vathyavali is one of the best beaches in Aitoloakarnania and perhaps in (western) Greece.
The beaches in detail:
- Vathyavali
- Potamaki
- Pogonia
- Varko
- Paleros Beach
- Agios Dimitrios
- Agios Ioannis
Vonitsa
Vonitsa is a coastal town, built on the southern side of Amvrakiko gulf at an altitude of 10 meters. It was built very close to the ancient Palace, which is why the former name of the municipality, whose seat is Vonitsa, was called Palace Municipality. The ancient Anactorium was an important city of Acarnania and was founded by the Corinthians in 630 BC. Like most cities of Acarnania it declined when the Romans founded Nicopolis on the opposite side of the Amvrakikos and forced the inhabitants of the area to move there. In time, in the Byzantine years the city flourished again, with the name Vonitsa this time and in the exact spot where it is today.
During the Turkish occupation, the city passed for a long time under the control of the Venetians, namely from 1684 to 1797. In 1832, it became part of the new Greek state. On October 4, 1862, during the “Vonitsa Uprising”, Theodorakis Grivas assumed the leadership of a revolutionary committee that ultimately caused the dethronement of Othon.
Only a few kilometers east of today’s Vonitsa, specifically on the “Ai-Lias” hill, the ruins of an ancient city were long ago identified, which is probably identified with Heraklia, mentioned by Pliny in the coastal zone between Anactorio and Echinos (by other researchers Heraklia is identified with the ancient ruins in Rouga Paliabelon). During the imperial period, with the foundation of Nikopolis, it seems that a part of the inhabitants of Heraklia participated in its “settlement”, while the rest moved towards the sea and founded a new settlement on the hill of “Sotira”, located at the northeastern end of the bay of Vonitsa and in which remains of a Roman settlement were found
Sights
The main attraction of the city is its Venetian castle, which is one of the best preserved in Greece. It was built at the beginning of the 11th century (around 1070) by the Venetians, when the Komnenians were emperors of Byzantium, who granted them the privilege to build the fortress and commercially exploit the port. Since 1922, it has been among the “previous Byzantine monuments”.
In the area there are also several old churches (of Panagia near the port, the metropolitan of Agios Spyridon and Agios Nikolaos) as well as the beautiful pine-covered islet of Koukoumitsa in the bay in front of the city which is joined by a bridge and is ideal for walks. Various events such as theaters, concerts and dances are held there by the various dance clubs based in Vonitsa.
Also at a distance of 12 km. lies the ancient Thyrrion.
Beaches
- Beach at the port
- Sotiras Beach
- Beach of Holy Mary
Accommodation
Food
Find restaurants, taverns and cafes here!
We invite you to visit the island and live carefree and unforgettable moments!
Πηγές: VisitGreece, Lefkada.gr, Lefkada Municipality, Municipality of Meganisi, Wikipedia, Signature.gr, Kalamos-Island.gr